Many bountiful Thanksgiving feasts included the traditional pumpkin pie.The spice that comes from the orange gourd seems to become more popular with each passing fall.
This year, the list now includes pumpkin-flavoured hummus, Pringles, and Twinkies. Even instant pumpkin spice lattes for dogs!
If you can’t find your favorite food mixed with pumpkin spice, there are pumpkin oil sprays. And for those who want to get really healthy, there are pumpkin flavored kale chips and kombucha.
Kaela Ketchum, nutritionist at OSF Healthcare, says pumpkin flavor is often added to sugar-laden products, so be careful.
“Be careful about the pumpkin spice products you buy, because one, they may contain no pumpkin at all, and the other, they may contain a lot of sugar.”
Ketchum says pumpkin is a very nutritious food—rich in vitamins and minerals, but low in calories. Pumpkin seeds are also a great protein snack to keep hunger at bay, as they’re high in fiber and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
The seeds also contain serotonin, which helps promote better sleep, and monounsaturated fatty acids lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the blood.
You can find pumpkin-infused protein powders, especially in nutrition stores.
She says, “If you’re making a smoothie, you can always add about two tablespoons of pureed pumpkin. Even if you’re making a pumpkin spice latte at home, add two tablespoons of real pumpkin.” By adding more depth to the flavor of the pumpkin and reducing the amount of sugar, you actually get more pumpkin, which they use in the store.
You may be surprised to learn that pumpkin is a fruit and contains 94% water. That’s why it’s low in calories. Ketchum adds that it’s also great for the body’s immune system because it’s high in beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A, which increases the body’s ability to fight infections.
Ketchum suggests talking to your grocery store production manager about their edible pumpkin inventory, or looking for canned pumpkin puree without added sugar to find ways to incorporate orange gourds into your diet year-round. doing.
Ketchum is “You can also incorporate it into oatmeal. You can put it in soups, stews and chili peppers. I saw a recipe for pasta shells. Stuff the pasta shells with pumpkin and cheese. You can reap the benefits of pumpkin all year round without having to put it in your baked goods or sprinkle sugar on top. “
Fun fact about pumpkins: 85% of pumpkins processed in the US come from Libby’s plant in Morton, Illinois. Introducing a healthy recipe for Savory Pumpkin Ravioli from Explore Health.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 wonton skins
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- chopped parsley
Combine 1 cup pumpkin, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Spoon 2 teaspoons pumpkin mixture into center of each wonton skin. Moisten the edges of the dough with water. Place 2 opposite sides together to form a triangle and pinch edges to seal. Place ravioli in a large pan with 1 teaspoon salt. Boil for 7 minutes, drain in a colander and drain. Add 1/2 cup broth and 1 1/2 tablespoons butter to pan. Add his ravioli to a boil and sprinkle all over. Sprinkle with parsley.
*This recipe is less than 200kcal per serving.
